TV Meme: Day 27 - Best Pilot Episode

This one was actually pretty easy. The look of this had motion picture written all over it. And, from what I have heard, it cost about that to make it happen.

Lost had one of the best pilot episodes that I have ever seen. And even though I don't think the creators, writers or actors knew what would happen to this show or where they wanted to head as they were shooting it - it was one of the most brilliant episodes of the entire series.

This episode is what cemented me on watching the show as a whole. I didn't even want to watch it, but a friend at work had taped it (seriously a tape) and told me I had to watch it. And, eventually I did - and I was hooked.

From the moment you see Jack (Matthew Fox) awaken from his unconsciousness the chaos ensues. The plane has just landed on the island and people are going crazy, hurt and generally scared out of their minds. Jack, however, plays it cool and dives in as a leader to help those in need.

We don't know it yet, but we actually start sifting through some of the soon-to-be stars of the show. We are also introduced to the flashback, which would allow the viewers an in-depth view into the characters and their pasts.


The show that became such a phenomenon and such a topic of discussion, especially as it came to an end a few months ago, truly started with a bang.

TV Meme: Day 18 - Favorite Title Sequence

I actually believe that the title sequence has become a lost art. Nowadays shows sometimes bypass the title all-together (Lost), while others will make a great one and then shorten for no real reason (Community).

A theme song and a great title sequence can really get you excited for a show, it becomes one with the show. How many people hear "I'll Be There For You" and think of The Rembrandts? Not many, right? But, how many people hear that same song and think of Friends? I am guessing about 99% of them.

So, I almost wish that all shows would make the effort and create not only a great title sequence, but a great theme song as well. Right now I have multiple theme songs on my phone as ringtones, mainly because of my love for the show, and its theme.

There are so many out there I could name - Scrubs, Community (in its entirety), Friends, etc.

But, one of the few that I sit through during my TiVo watching is The Big Bang Theory. The title sequence is basically just a bunch of random (I say random, but it probably isn't) science-type things, but the theme song is sung by Barenaked Ladies and it is now synonymous with that show.

For your pleasure, below I have attached The Big Bang Theory title sequence. And as a bonus, Community as well.

Abrams Finales

I don't want to call this guy the second coming of Spielberg or, in today's standards, Apatow - but it seems to me that everything that J.J. Abrams has touched of late has been turned into gold.

With Star Trek already cruising along as possibly the year's best film (to date), and ruling at the box office, Abrams' two other side projects, Fringe and Lost brought their seasons to a close this week.

There will be spoilers galore in the rest of this blog, so if you haven't seen the above finales, please stop reading now.

I will start with Lost because it appears that more people know about this show. How can a 2-hour finale not only give you tons of answers to things that have been brewing for five seasons, but also leave you with even more questions than when you went in. A 2-hour finale that desperately left you wanting more - and we don't get any more until 2010, I may just go insane.

We are finally introduced to the illusive Jacob - the one that is truly considered the leader of the 'Others'. But, we can't just be given Jacob without a whole background on him - he's been on the island forever; he seems to be using the island for some sort of sociological experiment; an unnamed friend of his wants him dead; he has visited a handful of members of the castaways (Locke, Kate, Hurley, Sawyer, Jack, Sun & Jin). But, as soon as we meet Jacob - he is killed, by Ben and Locke(?). I have a strange feeling that we will not be seeing the last of him though.

Jack got his way, and with the help of Sayid and some others was able to toss 'Jughead' down the shoot to try and stop all of this from ever happening. A few side effects, however, was Sayid getting shot and near death - and the bomb not actually going off and the hole becoming magnetized anyway. This also started sucking everything metal down the hole - including a chain that happened to get wrapped around Juliet. So, bye bye Juliet? No so fast - not without one last heroic adventure. Juliet, near death, beats 'Jughead' with a rock until it explodes - and that is where we leave Season 5.

So many questions. Did the explosion work? Is everyone at least going to be in the same time frame now? How is Locke both dead and alive? Is the new Locke the unnamed man that wants Jacob dead? Are Jacob and Ben in on everything - including bringing back everyone to the island?

Can't wait for these questions to be answered - I am expecting a memorable season six.

As for Fringe, it has slowly been plugging along on Tuesday nights on FOX. It is quite possibly the best new show on television, however, has had a few missteps along the way. The bases of the show has always pitted Olivia and her crew against William Bell's Massive Dynamic corporation. Most of the shows have had some sort of connection to the overall tension between these two organizations, however, a few times the show stepped away from that --- sure it's fine to do that every so often, but it almost feels unnecessary.

Also, the show took at least a one month hiatus during the middle of the season - which left even me a little in the dark - when the show returned I found myself trying to remember a lot of things that happened in September and October.

That said, the final episodes really picked up and the finale that aired on Tuesday was awe inspiring and a little shocking.

The episode begins where the final left off, as David Robert Jones has shot Nina Sharp - and apparently removed an energy source that was hidden in her mechanical arm. This energy source can be used, when done correctly, to open a window to a parallel universe.

Jones has finally realized that William Bell is living in this parallel universe and will stop at nothing to track him down and kill him. It's up to Olivia to stop Jones, while both Peter and Walter Bishop search for remote that is able to close the opened portal to the parallel universe.

The final scenes are very well done as well s jaw dropping. Olivia finally gets to meet and speak to William Bell, who we all know to be Leonard Nimoy (one of the worst kept secrets in tv history). But as she looks at the window of his parallel universe office - we find that they are in one of the twin towers, which are still standing in this universe. A very gripping and emotional shot.

I was torn because I loved it - but also immediately thought 'What are people going to say?" Was it too soon? I don't think so. But there are still people who are grieving and this shot could have been very emotional for them.

But, Fringe didn't stop there. In one of the final shots we see Walter Bishop standing in a cemetary - thinking of course he is visiting the grace of his wife. But as the shot shows the head stone it is the grave of his son, Peter Bishop. So the Peter Bishop that is currently being shown is that of the parallel universe.

Walter mentioned in the episode that he had lost something very dear to him and that he went to the other universe to get it back - his son.

Very great episodes - episodes that have certainly kept me interested and looking forward to next season already.

Cancellations/Renewals

It's that time of year again, when television networks begin to pick and choose as to which shows are drawing a large enough audience to keep and which ones are about to get axed.

I follow a great number of television programs, probably too many, but with the conclusion of this season many of the programs that I watch will be going the way of the dodo.

Already, ER and Scrubs are ending their runs at the conclusion of the season. ER has been on for a staggering 15 seasons - and although there has been rumors that another network may pick it up for a 16th season, I think it's pretty safe to say that this will be its last. Scrubs was rescued from a dismal farewell on NBC last year to give its parting shot on ABC for its eighth and final season. Another show that had rumors of being renewed if it developed more of a following on ABC - but I am guessing that with the departures of Zach Braff, Bill Lawrence and Judy Reyes that the show will end after the season. And Lost only has one more season remaining after this one.

A new show that I had gotten into was Life on Mars starring Jason O'Mara, Harvey Keitel and Michael Imperioli. It was an interesting show that was fixed in the year 1973, but ABC canceled the show this week. Luckily, we may be given a proper send off as the shows producers were given enough of a heads up.

The new Dollhouse and Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles have been bordering on horrible ratings - and due to the cost of production could also hit the scrap heap.

It's not all bad news, however, as Survivor, The Big Bang Theory and Heroes have all been renewed - Survivor and The Big Bang Theory for two new seasons.

As of now that is all that I have found to be announced from the shows that I watch. I am excited for yet another Survivor and I am happy they are giving Heroes another chance - it seems to be picking up again in its third season, hopefully season four will be even better. I am very happy to see The Big Bang Theory return as it is one of only a few comedy shows that regularly have me laughing - and I am already losing one in Scrubs.

Midseason Replacements

I have been totally lacking on my blog updates this week. I have not really had much to write about, unless you want me to talk about my even higher regard for The Big Bang Theory (I have been re-watching season one, and find myself laughing all over again).

I did, however, get a nice load of DVDs that I am hoping to watch at least one this weekend - so perhaps I will have something nice to write about next week.

Anyway, this week also happened to be the return of - most - television shows from their holiday breaks. And the official start of the Spring television season.

As you may remember from previous posts, I have an abundant amount of television shows that I am currently following - so many that I have been limited by my wife on any new shows that are coming out. This season, I think I got three - Fringe, Raising the Bar and Dollhouse.

Speaking of Dollhouse, it fits into my reason for this particular post. It is one of many midseason replacements for television networks.

I am not really sure when this came into effect - but I am guessing the networks already knew that a handful of their fall television shows wouldn't make it the full year, so they needed these shows to fill the voids that were left when shows were either canceled or finished their run.

It is sort of humorous though, that there were so many great midseason replacements. Shouldn't they have just been running all year round?

The main returnee for me is Lost. The scribes on the show have devised a plan - and an ending - which only allows for around 15-17 episodes per season, so I understand why ABC waits to put it on the air until the Spring. I am very interested in the new season - and with so many people getting early views of the first episodes, and having only good things to say, I am even more intrigued.

Scrubs was rescued off of its deathbed at NBC and popped up on ABC last Tuesday for a pair of new episodes. It felt a little odd, though, I have to admit. There are brand new interns that, according to my reading, could be the future of the show if the show continues past its eighth season (I am not sure I would be happy with the show without the original cast). The first episode welcomed in Courtney Cox as the new chief of medicine, and introduced us to the new interns. The second episode - which was much better - showed the new side of Scrubs the less zanier side, as Turk and JD helped a dying patient live out his last moments.


A show that I watched this summer when nothing else was on Flashpoint was also given the greenlight as a midseason replacement on CBS. The show follows a special tactical team that helps diffuse certain situations, mostly having to do with hostages. It was a pretty good show that certainly kept me interested this summer - and I am happy to have it back on the air.

As Ghost Hunters takes a sabatical, Ghost Hunters International started its new season on Wednesday. It's basically the same setup, but with a different crew and they are visiting much older places in different countries. The first episode already had an incredible find, and I look forward to rest of the season. I am torn about which show I like more, but I think I like Robb (the team leader of GHI) more than I like Jason (team leader of the original GH).

The only new show that has grabbed my attention as a midseason replacement is Joss Whedon's Dollhouse. It has been placed on the ill-fated Friday night, however, that claimed his last television show, Firefly. I was never a fan of Buffy or Angel, but I did enjoy Firefly and the movie, Serenity.

Finally, this show doesn't really qualify as a show I watch on television, because for some stupid reason I do not get the CW. But, Reaper returns in March - a show that I am forced to follow as they add their episodes online. The show was surprisingly entertaining and funny last season, but was one of the shows on the fence about being canceled. Luckily, they gave it another chance and I am pretty excited about its return - despite the stupidity of not having the CW.

Fringe

I must say, I am pretty excited.

It doesn't happen very often when a television show actually gets me this interested.

First, I must admit that I am a television addict. My wife is already telling me I watch too many shows. But, there is just one problem - I wouldn't know which one to cut.

That being said, I am promising her that I am only going to start watching one new show this season - and that show is Fringe.

The show actually started a few weeks ago, but it wasn't until this weekend that we finally had time to view it - and actually were able to view two episodes.

I was immediately interested in the show due to the fact that it was produced by J.J. Abrams, who also has helmed another of my favorite television shows Lost.

During the first episode, I noticed that this is no Lost. It is a lot more in your face, with a few kind of gross out scenes - especially in the second episode. My wife has watched the first two, and I am hoping she can stick it out - it's much more fun watching a show with someone, especially your wife. But, I do admit that a few of the scenes even had me a little on edge. It is, however, exactly the type of show I love.

Shows like Lost, Heroes and now Fringe barely allow me to predict what is going to happen. It keeps you interested throughout the entire episode, and every part of that episode is important. It's all very psychological - I absolutely love the fact that I need to pay attention and actually think.

Another reason to like the show: the return of Josh Jackson. You may remember Mr. Jackson as Pacey on Dawson's Creek or Charlie Conway in the Mighty Ducks. I must admit, he is an underused talent.

This actually got me thinking, is it odd to anyone else that out of the four main stars of Dawson's Creek it is actually Dawson (James Van Der Beek) who has not become more of a star - although I did love Varsity Blues.

Anyway, if you are a fan of Lost and can take a few grotesque shots an episode, I highly recommend checking out Fringe.

Fall Television

Each year when the Fall television schedule is finally announced I quickly go through the list of my returning to favorites to make sure there isn't too much of a drastic change in either time or airing date.

This happened a few years ago when Grey's Anatomy which started out on Sunday, was moved to Thursday nights at the same exact time as CSI. So, I was a bit peeved, but luckily my DVR (one of two in the home) records two shows at once, and I was out of my predicament.

So, with the release of the Fall television schedule, I make a list of shows on each channel. Then I start to plug them in to what shows my wife and I watch as to record on the DVR. Hopefully, if all works out, each of our favorite shows can fit into the schedule without any complications - and it worked out again this season (so far).

After the schedule is made there are also holes. These holes are where a show is not being recorded. So, it's here where we look at the newcomers - the new shows of the season. Unfortunately, if there is a new show we are interested in, but it doesn't fit, it sometimes goes unwatched. We have our favorites for a reason.

Last season, despite the writer's strike, we managed to pick up a handful of new shows that we watch regularly now. The all-too underrated comedy called The Big Bang Theory and the new Terminator series.

Despite not having the CW Network anymore, my wife has also grown pretty attached to Gossip Girl and I to Reaper. Our only way to watch these, however, is through the website - and it is usually a few days after they originally air.

And, thanks to the writer's strike I guess, we are also watching Ghost Hunters and Destination Truth. Shows that we started watching because there wasn't anything else on, and we became attached to them.

This season, the main show that sticks out to me is Fringe. It comes from the mind of J.J. Abrams, who also gave us the awesome show, Lost. Fringe also stars The Mighty Ducks and Dawson's Creek alum Joshua Jackson. So, I will checking that out as well.

Dollhouse from the mind of Joss Whedon (Firefly) has also struck my attention, but does not get going until the Spring schedule.

So, a few other shows that were not definite watches on our part have squeaked through for what I call a screening. If we like it after the first few episodes it can stick around - if not, it gets the axe. Life on Mars which appears to be a cop show about a man in modern day, who somehow gets knocked back into the '70s. He has all the knowledge of a modern day cop, solving crimes in the '70s.

My wife has also chosen The Ex List and Kath & Kim. The Ex List is a show about a woman who after going to a fortune teller learns she has already met her husband - so she starts going back through the men in her life to try and find him. Kath & Kim looks to be a comedy that stars Molly Shannon and the lovely Selma Blair.

I am looking forward to the upcoming season, especially the return of Heroes which is one of my top two favorite shows - it hasn't been on since last fall. Unfortunately, Lost, Reaper and Scrubs have all been saved until the spring.

Penny's Boat

I have always been a fan of the show Lost. Even through it's rough second season, I still had hope - and actually still enjoyed the episodes. But, I never realized just how good a plan can actually start to come together.

The producers of the show were treading water during the shows second season, and possibly the third. They weren't exactly sure just how long this show would last - so some of the stories were stretched, and things sort of slowed down.

Then came the end date. ABC executives and the Lost producers came together and decided just how long the show will run, and when the last episode would air. And then there was closure. The producers could finally map out their vision - and their vision has truly become amazing.

Last night's fourth season finale answered some of the most intriguing questions that have developed - Who was in the coffin? Are those that didn't leave still alive? How did Ben arrive in the Middle East? How exactly did the Oceanic 6 get off the island? - but of course, more questions were made - and we now have to wait until January of February until the start of season five.

Below is my review of the season finale, and season four in general. For those not wishing to learn anything about the show - might be best to stop reading.

"There's No Place Like Home (2-3)". Last night's episode was a combination of two that finished off what started two weeks ago.

The most important pieces to this finale were 1) The Orchid Station 2) The Freighter 3) The Flash Forward.

The Orchid Station appears to be some sort of time machine. Ben leads Locke deep into the islands core, telling him that he has to go someplace cold to save the island, and they he could never return again.

This is how Ben ends up in the Middle East. He goes into this deep hole behind the Orchid Station and turns what looks to be a sideways boat steering wheel. By doing so, the island vanishes and Ben is whisked to where we find him in the future - in some Middle Eastern country.

On the freighter, however, Michael has decided to try and keep the bomb cold in hoping it could delay the inevitable. Just as the helicopter (carrying Jack, Sun, Aaron, Kate, Lupidus and Hurley) lands Desmond forces them to take off again - leaving both Jin and Michael behind.

We learn that the bomb is actually connected to Kearny's heart rate. If he dies, the boat will explode. So of course he eggs Ben on about killing his daughter (before the island disappears), and Ben jumps out and stabs him in the neck about three times. Locke does all he can to keep him - and those on the freighter - alive, but he can't. Just as the bomb is about to go off, Christian is shown in front of Michael. There is something going on there, obviously, but I wouldn't be surprised if neither Michael nor Jin are actually dead - despite the bomb destroying the freighter.

Those on the helicopter are heading back to the island just as it disappears. With no place to go, the helicopter loses fuel and crashes into the ocean. Everyone survives and are bobbing along on a life raft, when a boat is discovered. This time it actually is Penny's boat.

This is when Jack actually starts to listen to Locke. Thanks to the miracle he proclaimed, Jack starts to believe and carries out his wishes. To save those on the island, those the Oceanic 6 must lie about what happened on the island. So that is how they landed on that other island - they left Penny's boat together and went there on purpose to be rescued.


At least we now know that most, if not all, of everyone else is still alive. And, more people did survive and got off of the island - Desmond and Lapidus.

The Flash Forwards were a continuation of last season's season finale, where Jack is basically insane and trying to get Kate to go back to the island.

Things we find out, though, is that Sayid has busted Hurley out of the insane asylum; Kate is having dreams about Claire; Ben tells Jack that in order for them to go back to the island - everyone must go back, including the person who is in the coffin ------ non other than Mr. Locke himself.

A fitting finale to a very exciting thrill ride to a season. Like I said, now that there is an end in sight - the Lost people certainly have a guide to their remaining seasons.

I wish, however, that we didn't have to wait so long, but I guess that is television nowadays.

I am very anxious to see if/how those who got off the island get back to the island. Who exactly survived that is still on the island. How Locke got off, and died. So many unanswered questions - the rest of the season's have a lot to answer, it should be a fun ride.